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You cannot know anything. Only suspect. This article contains content from pre-release sources that may or may not be reflective of canon upon release. This article therefore likely contains spoilers. |
The Shields of Mars were a secretive group of guardians founded by Romulus, the Roman Kingdom's first ruler who was acting in remorse after murdering his brother, Remus. Inspired by him, Romulus made the traits he admired in his brother part of the principles that led the group: as in life, Remus had an undisciplined spirit, constantly challenging the status quo and questioning authority with deep sense of justice and a burning desire for equality, so would be the Shields of Mars.[1] In that manner, the group shared many principles with the Assassin.[2]
History[]
In 717 BCE, king Romulus rested with members of the Shields of Mars at his residence, when a woman burst in to warn them of a plot to assassinate Romulus that had been concocted by an Etruscan priest from a larger unknown group that managed to persuade senators, patres familias, and militia captains. Prompted into action, the Shield of Mars reached the Temple of Laran, spotting men and women in fine clothes and bronze masks, each accompanied by personal guards. The group infiltrated the temple and collected information about the traitors and their plan, before killing the mastermind during their ritual, hoping the superstitious Romans might perceive it as a bad omen.[3]
With the Shields of Mars having killed the priest,[3] Romulus decided to go ahead with the speech. The following day, at the Palus Caprae of the Campus Martius, Romulus addressed his troops until he was cut off by a violent storm that led most present to scatter for cover and for the traitors to attempt to kill the king. Aided by the Shields of Mars once again, Romulus escaped towards the Temple of Laran, intending to hide his sword in the very same underground chamber he received it in. Using the sword's pommel to open a secret door, Romulus led the group to the vault beneath the temple, where they were attacked by a Versipellis, a 10-foot tall wolf man with superhuman strength. Though a formidable adversary, the Versipellis was defeated and, in his final moments, he returned to reason and rejected the gift given to him by Mars, reverting into his original form of Remus. The Shields of Mars then picked up his body and set him on the altar at the center of the chamber, placing the Sword of Eden in his arms.[1] After the events beneath the temple, Romulus disappeared, instructing his followers to act in secret to defend free will.[4]
During the Renaissance, members of the Italian Brotherhood located and explored a sanctuary belonging to the Shields of Mars in the Roman countryside.[2]
Behind the scenes[]
The Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game alternately credits the foundation of the Shields of Mars to Romulus or his daughter Prima.
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game – Forging History – Of Wolves and Men
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game – Legacy of the Brotherhood – Adventure Hooks: Ezio Auditore #2
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game – Forging History – The First Conspiracy
- ↑ Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game – Animus Handbook – Key Events Overview